The English Classic Races | UK Flat Horse Racing Guide | HorseRacing.co.uk Want your site listed here? Contact Us . Classic Races British flat racing - meaning the races are run on 'the flat', without jumps - are the most traditional form of horse racing. The Classics, or Classic Races, are a series of five flat races, held annually and restricted to horses which are three years of age. The five races, which are subdivided into two separate competitions, the Triple Crown and the Fillies' Triple crown, are held at three different race courses; Newmarket , Epsom Downs and Doncaster . The Classic Races are so popular that bookmakers all across the UK offer year-round antepost betting on the events; allowing punting professionals to benefit from excellent early odds. The five Classic Races in the United Kingdom are: 2,000 Guineas Stakes This race is held at the famous Newmarket Racecourse , on the Rowley Mile, in late April or early May, and is run over a distance of one mile. The 2,000 Guineas Stakes was first held on 18th April 1809.

It is open to fillies and colts, female and male three-year-olds, and is the first race of the Classics season. The 2,000 Guineas Stakes is also part of the Triple Crown, a separate cup comprised of the three classic races which allow horses of either sex to enter. 1,000 Guineas Stakes The second race of the Classics also takes place at Newmarket 's Rowley Mile at the same time as the 2,000 Guineas Stakes (late April or early March). The 1,000 Guineas Stakes was first introduced on 28th April 1814, five years after the 2,000 Guineas Stakes was established. It is open to fillies only, female horses of three years, which makes it part of the Fillies' Triple Crown, the fillies-only version of the Triple Crown mentioned above. As the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, it is run over the course of one mile.

Epsom Oaks The race, conducted at Epsom Downs racecourse in Surrey, is the third of the Classics races, as well as the second event in the Fillies' Triple Crown. Like the 1,000 Guineas Stakes it is a contest for female three-year-olds only. The Epsom Oaks race was established in 1779, one year before the Derby Stakes premiered. It takes its name from 'The Oaks' a home rented by the 12th Earl of Derby in the Epsom area. The race takes place over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and ten yards. Epsom Derby Also known as simply The Derby to locals and as the Epsom Derby to the international audience, is the fourth race of the Classics series. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and ten yards - as the Epsom Oaks -; a meeting taking place annually in early June. As it is open to colts and fillies, it is also the second leg of the Triple Crown.

The very first Epsom Derby was held on 4th May 1780, with Diomed, a colt from the stables of Lord Bunbury taking first place. St. Leger Stakes The last race of the Classics, the Triple Crown and- strangely - the Fillies' Triple Crown is hosted at Doncaster , and run over a distance of one mile, six furlongs and 132 yards every September. The St Leger Stakes is the longest of the Classic races and was introduced in 1777, named in honour of local army officer and politician Anthony St. Leger. English Triple Crown - Espom Derby Classics Betting English Triple Crown Grand National English Triple Crown The Epsom Derby is one of five English Classic Races run each year. All five of the British Classics Races are contested by three year old thoroughbred racehorses, however some of the Classics are open only to thoroughbred fillies. Of the five English Classics, three are regarded to be part of a series known as the English Triple Crown.

2,000 Guineas The 2,000 Guineas is the first British Classic Race of the year and serves as the first leg of the English Triple Crown. The race is run at Newmarket racecourse and is contested by both colts and fillies over the distance of a mile. 1,000 Guineas The 1,000 Guineas is the second British Classic Race run at Newmarket racecourse and is run over the distance of a mile. The race is the first of two British Classics restricted to thoroughbred fillies. Epsom Oaks The Epsom Oaks is the first of two Classics run at the Epsom Downs racecourse . The Epsom Oaks is the second of the two Classics open only to thoroughbred fillies. The race is run over a distance of 1 mile 4 furlongs and 10 yards. St. Leger Stakes The St. Leger Stakes is the final Classic of the year and is run at Doncaster racecourse.

Open to both colts and fillies, the St Legers Stakes is the longest British Classic and is run over a distance of 1 mile 6 furlongs and 132 yards. The Triple Crown Winning a triple crown is the biggest achievement possible in flat racing. In the 150 year history of the English Triple Crown only 15 horses have achieved the remarkable feat of winning the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and St Leger Stakes in a single season. The Triple Crown was last won in 1970 by Nijinsky II. The most recent attempt at the British Triple Crown was made in 1989 when Nashwan won both the 2,000 guineas and the Epsom Derby, falling at the last hurdle when he was unable to win the St Leger Stakes. In 2007 unbeaten Teofilo was seen as genuine prospect for the Triple Crown, and was given 12-1 odds of achieving this feat before being pulled out of the first race due to injury.

Free Bets English Classics Races Guide - Classics Betting Classics Betting Links English Classics Races Guide The English Classics are five of the oldest and most prestigious thoroughbred race run in the United Kingdom. For centuries these races have been regarded as the highlights of the English flat racing season, with a win in any one of the Classics regarded as amongst the most impressive achievements in thoroughbred racing. St Leger The St Leger at Doncaster’s Town Moor in September is the last chance of classic glory for many entries these days. No horse since the great Nijinsky has completed the “Triple Crown” of Guineas, Derby and Leger, and the marathon 1m 6f 132yards and glamorous alternatives such as the Arc and Breeders’ Cup lead Derby and Guineas winners’ connections to set their sights elsewhere. The final leg of both the colts’ and fillies’ Triple Crowns English Classics Betting The Classics are major betting events, with millions of pounds bet on each of the races annually. The five Classics are also amongst a handful of races which offer year-round antepost betting markets, allowing smart punters to benefit from excellent early odds on the United Kingdom and Ireland’s finest thoroughbred talent.

Free Bets English Triple Crown of Horse Racing | International Triple Crown Races | UK Horse Racing | HorseRacing.co.uk Want your site listed here? Contact Us . English Triple Crown The English Triple Crown Series was the event that pioneered the international Triple Crown phenomenon. The term Triple Crown entered the British horse racing scene in 1853, the year thoroughbred West Australian emerged victorious from three of the most coveted races on the horse racing calendar: the 2000 Guineas Stakes, the Epsom Derby and the St. Leger Stakes. This unprecedented winning streak so impressed the racing community that Western Australian was awarded the first ever Triple Crown Trophy, a prize that would rise rapidly to cult status. The British Triple Crown Series owes its success to a large extend to the quality of the three individual races which make up the cup. The 2000 Guineas Stakes is run at Newmarket Racecourse in late April to early May. It is a flat race over one mile, perfectly suited for Newmarket's infamous Rowley Mile track. The 2000 Guineas was the last of the three Triple Crown races to come into existence, with its inaugural running taking place in 1809.

The Epsom Derby takes place at Epsom Downs Racecourse and runs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards. It is one of the British summer horse races, hosted annually in June since 1780, and is considered the most important of the English Classic Races. The most famous athlete to ever compete at the Epsom Derby was jockey Lester Piggott, who won the race an incredible 9 times between 1954 and 1983. The St. Leger Stakes is the longest running race of the series, having been inaugurated in 1776 at Doncaster Racecourse where is still hosted today. The distance is 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards; a testing distance for the last race in an extraordinary series. The St. Leger Stakes, which is run in September, is also part of the English Classic Races and one of the oldest continuously running races in the country. These three extraordinary events culminate into one of the most coveted trophies of the season.

However, the title is not easily won and a horse has to run three perfect races in quick succession in order to call itself a Triple Crown champion. Since the first winner in 1853, there have only been 14 Triple Crow winners; a statistic which is testament to the level of horse racing involved and the skill and talent required to achieve this feat. Successful Triple Crown winners, such as prolific trainer John Porter, jockey sensations Lester Piggott and Fred Archer, and equine overachievers like Nijinsky II , are sure to be remembered long after they have retired from the sport. English Triple Crown Champions: Doncaster St Leger - Classics Betting Classics Betting Links Doncaster St Leger The St. Leger is the original “Classic”, first run at Doncaster in 1776. It is quite daunting when at the course to see the board listing winners going back to the year of the American Revolution. Initially the race took place over two miles at Cantley Common, but in 1779 it moved to its present day home of Town Moor. The race is named after an Irish gentleman soldier, and governor of St. Lucia, Lt.Col. Anthony St. Leger.

Reputedly the correct pronunciation is something like “Salinger” but “Saint Ledger” is more often used these days. St Leger The St Leger at Doncaster’s Town Moor in September is the last chance of classic glory for many entries these days. No horse since the great Nijinsky has completed the “Triple Crown” of Guineas, Derby and Leger. Today many trainers prefer to send their Derby or Guineas winners to the Breeders Cup or France to compete in richer events, rather than test them over the marathon 1m 6f distance run in the St Leger. The final leg of both the colts’ and fillies’ Triple Crowns United Kingdom Classic Races In United Kingdom horse racing, The Classics are a series of horse races run over the flat (i.e. without jumps). Each classic is run once each year and is restricted to horses that are three years old. The five races are: Epsom Derby Stakes St. Leger Stakes The 2,000 Guineas, the Derby and the St.Leger together form the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.

The current distance of the race is 1 mile, 6furlongs and 132 yards (about 2900m). This is a little less than in “olden times”, but seen by many to be an outrageous test of stamina for a three-year-old. By comparison, the longest American Triple Crown event, the Belmont Stakes, is over 1 mile, 4 furlongs (2400m). The St. Leger is the third leg of the English turf’s Triple Crown. Since the great Nijinsky prevailed in 1970, however, the race has become increasingly unfashionable with owners keeping at least one eye on stud values. Indeed, some now argue that victory in the St. Leger would actually devalue a Guineas and Derby winner, highlighting stamina while implying a deficiency in the more lucrative attribute of speed. Despite the attractions of other Autumn races such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Breeders’ Cup, the St. Leger remains a key feature of the racing calendar.

Free Bets horseracing Dec 282010 The Longchamp Racecourse or locally known as the Hippodrome de Longchamp is a 58 hectare horse-racing facility located on the Route des Tribunes in the Bois de Boulogne at Paris, France. Built on the banks of the River Seine, it is used for flat racing and is one of the most prestigious flat racing tracks in the world. Its name is synonymous with all that is noble in the sport of kings. Longchamp has 17 hectares that are used for several racetracks varying from 1,000 to 4,000 meters in length with 46 different starting posts. The highlight of racing at the facility is the annual Prix de l’Arc de Triompe. Held on the first weekend in October, the prestigious event attracts the best horses from around the world. It is one of the French racing season’s four Classic races. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat thoroughbred horse race which are three-years-old or above.

It is run over a distance of 2,400 metres (approximately 1½ miles) annually on the first Sunday in October. Most commonly know as the “Arc”, it is the most prestigious horse race in Europe. Many winners of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe are subsequently regarded as champions. With a prize fund of 4 million euros, it is presently the world’s second richest horse race contested after the Japan Cup. The corporate hospitality at Longchamp includes exquisite food, Champagne, fine wines and an open bar throughout the afternoon. Visit for more infromation Dec 272010 Doncaster Racecourse, known as Town Moor is situated in South Yorkshire, England. It is home to the worlds oldest and longest classic race the St.Leger which is run over a total distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs (1 furlong = 200 metres) and 132 yards. The St Ledger is one of Britain’s Group 1 flat race and forms the last part of the British Classics Race. Doncaster also hosts the Racing Post Trophy Britains’s Group One thoroughbred race ran over 1 mile in October every year.

Doncaster offically opens the Turf Flat Racing Season with the Lincoln Meeting held each March and ends the season with the November Handicap.Every September the St. Leger is celebrated with four days of festivities at Doncaster Racecourse. It runs from Wednesday – Saturday. Thursday is Ladies day, Friday sees the historic Doncaster Gold Cup which was first run 1766. Saturday is St Ledgers Day. Oct 282010 York Racecourse is situated southwest of the city of York, North Yorkshire, England. On race days has its own radio station ‘York Raceday Radio’ (1602 kHz, medium wave) which can be picked up to 10 miles from the course. The Ebor Festival in August is the most famous race meeting held a York. Over this 3-day meeting (Tuesday-Thursday) it hosts the richest ever races held a York with a total record prize money of over £2.3 million – The Juddmonte International Stakes is now worth £500,000 alone. The course also stages three of the UK’s Group One thoroughbred races, the International Stakes, the Nunthorpe Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks.

The Ebor stand at York Racecourse The Ebor festival was first established in 1843 with the first running of the Ebor Handicap. Each of the three days has feature races. Tuesday is called Juddmonte International day and features the Juddmonte International and the Great Voltiquer Stakes. Wednesday is totesport Ebor Day and features the Ebor Handicap and the Yorkshire Oaks. Thursday is Ladies’ Day and features the Lowther Stakes. The competition off the track on Thursday will be to win a luxury short break to the Best Dressed Lady Racegoer. Sep 282010 The Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare, situated south of Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, is the “Home of horse racing in Ireland” since this is where horse racing in Ireland has its roots. The word “Curragh” means place of the running horse. As early as the third century there was chariot racing on the Curragh. The Irish Turf Club was founded in 1790 the coffee rooms in Kildare and it was soon established as the governing body for horse racing throughout Ireland.

In the 1868 the Curragh of Kildare Act was passed to settled the right of common pasture, and preserved the use of the Curragh for the purpose of horse racing and training. The total area of the Curragh was defined as 4870 acres. Approximately 26% of the horses trained in Ireland are trained on the Curragh. Horses trained on the Curragh have won major races world wide in countries as diverse as England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, America, Canada, and Australian From March to July the Curragh hosts ninteen of the best Flat races in Ireland including Five Classic Group 1 Races – the Boylesports Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, Darley Irish Oaks, The Irish Field St Leger and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby The Irish Derby open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies is run over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 metres) annually from the last Friday to Sunday in June.

Friday features Kildare Village Derby with live music after racing from one of Ireland’s leading performers, while Saturday is Ladies Day featuring the Audi sponsored Pretty Polly Stakes and spectacular prizes for the Best Dressed from Kildare Village. Sunday features all the spectacle, excitement and fun of Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day. The Curragh also hosts a prestigious Autumn Festival in mid-September. This two day festures The Irish Field St Leger on a Saturday with a celebration to promote the final Group 1 Classic as Europe’s premier trial race for the Emirates Melbourne Cup , while Sunday features the Group 1 National Stakes and a massive equine themed family day. Contact the website for more information or call the hospitality team on: +353 45 443209/443208 for race day hospitality packages Sep 282010 Cheltenham Racecourse is at Prestbury Park on the outskirts of the Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. Cheltenham is know as the “home of National Hunt racing”, because it hosts the four-day Cheltenham Hunt Festival, held on the second week in March every year and features the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, England, taken from Cleeve Hill. The Cheltenham Festival has a Total Prize Money of £3.67m. The meeting is held annually over 4-days in March – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Races commence from 1.30pm each day. The feature race on Tuesday is The Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, the most sought after prize anywhere for 2 mile hurdlers. Wednesday sees the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase take centre stage, as the best two mile chasers produce a fast and furious contest over the famous Cheltenham fences. For many, this is the most exciting race of the year. In 2009, Wednesday will have seven races for the first time since The Festival became a four day meeting. On Thursday features, the long distance hurdlers contest The Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Only the brave and the strong prevail in this three mile contest. The Ryanair Chase is another Grade 1 highlight on Thursday. Thursday is Ladies Day. On Ladies Day there are also awards for Best Dressed Lady, Best Accessories and Best Hat.

Presentations for these awards are made before the horses enter the paddock for the first race. On Friday Cheltenham hosts the famous totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with total prize money of £475,000 which is the highlight of the four-day Festival at Cheltenham. Off the track, there is plenty of entertainment on offer through the trade stands, musical offerings in all enclosures and the amazing variety of dining, entertaining and hospitality options. Tickets available from or by calling 08445 793 003 Aug 282010 Goodwood Racecourse is situated near Chichester, West Sussex, in England. The horseracing track sits high on the Sussex Downs with specatucular views south to the Solent. It hosts the annual Glorious Goodwood meeting, which is one of the highlights of the British flat racing calendar, and is home to 2 of the UK’s 31 Group One Flat Races, the Sussex Stakes and the Nassau Stakes. Formal horseracing began at Goodwood in 1802, with the first running of a principal race, the Goodwood Cup, a decade later.

Throughout the nineteenth century, several of the principal races, which today continue to be key fixtures of the Goodwood season, were established. These were the Molecomb Stakes the Nassau Stakes and Stewards Cup the Sussex Stakes and the Richmond Stakes. The two remaining principal races were first run in the Edwardian period: Gordon Stakes and King George Stakes Goodwood for great horse racing The five-day Festival Meeting, known as Glorious Goodwood takes place from late July through to August annually. Glamour of top class racing mixed with the outstanding beauty of the racecourse, set high up on the Downs, and the famously stylish dress code that makes Glorious Goodwood unquestionably the chicest invitation of the summer’s social and racing calendar. The Goodwood Racetrack forms part of the Duke of Richmond’s 12,000 acre estate and parkland. Goodwood House has been the seat of the Dukes of Richmond since 1697 and is available for private or business hire.

Operated by The Goodwood Estate Company Limited is a major sport and leisure venue not only with thoroughbred horseracing but the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Goodwood Revival, Kennels Private Members Club, Marriott Hotel and Spa Golf and The Goodwood Aerodrome. For more information visit or for hospitality packages call +44 (0)1243 755022. Aug 282010 Aintree situated in Merseyside near Liverpool, north west Englands’ most famous meeting is the Grand National. It is regarded as one of the most difficult of all courses to successfully complete, with 16 steeplechase fences including canal Turn and Brecher’s Brook. These are so infamous that even their names strike fear into the most professional of jockeys. Most riders to not finish the race. This makes it the ‘Worlds Greatest Jump Race’. Four other races take place over the National fences. These are the Topham Chase and the Fox Hunters’ Chase at the Grand National meeting and the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase and Becher Handicap Chase in the November meeting. Towards Bechers Brook.

Looking east along part of the Aintree racecourse The first official races at Aintree were organised by a syndicate, headed by the owner of Liverpool’s Waterloo Hotel, Mr William Lynn. He leased the land from Lord Sefton, set out a course and built a grandstand. Lord Molyneux laid the foundation stone on February 7, 1829 and placed a bottle full of sovereigns in the footings. The course staged its initial jump fixture in 1835. On Tuesday, February 26, 1839, Lottery became the first winner of the Grand National. In those days the horses had to jump a stone wall, cross a stretch of ploughed land and finish over two hurdles. The race was then known as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase. Now named after its sponsor John Smith’s todays Grand National course is four and a half miles of difficult jumps over water obstacles covered with spruce trees and gates making this a unique British national hunt race. The total prize money is currently £900,000. The intention is for the value of the race is to reach £1 million by 2010.

The John Smith’s Grand National takes place on the first Saturday in April at 4.15pm. For more information and hospitality tickets visit Aug 272010 Belmont Park is a major thoroughbred horse-racing facility located in Elmont in Long Island, New York, America. Opened in 1905 covering an area of 650 acres, Belmont Park is now operated by The New York Racing Association Inc., a non-profit racing association that also owns and operates Aqueduct and Saratoga racetrack in New York. The most celebrated race at Belmont Park is the Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of racing’s Triple Crown . This follows five weeks after the Kentucky Derby, and three weeks after the Preakness Stakes. It is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) horse race for three-year-old colts and geldings carrying a weight of 126 pounds (57 kg) and for fillies with a weight of 121 pounds (55 kg). The Belmont Stakes, first run in 1867, is the oldest of the Triple Crown events.

It predates the Preakness Stakes (first run in 1873) by six years and the Kentucky Derby (first run in 1875) by eight. Aristides, the winner of the first Kentucky Derby, ran second in the 1875 Belmont behind winner Calvin. The Belmont Stakes is named after August Belmont I. Belmont was a financier who made a fortune in banking in the middle to late 1800s. He also branched out into politics and New York society. Rags to Riches 2007 Belmont Stakes Winner The Belmont Stakes trophy is a solid silver bowl and cover made by Tiffany & Co. It is 18 inches tall, 15 inches across and 14 inches at the base. Atop the cover is a silver figure of 1869 Belmont winner Fenian. The bowl is supported by three horses – Herod, Eclipse and Matchem – who represent the respective superior grandsons of the three Foundation Sires of thoroughbreds: the Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Barb. Of these, the lineage Eclipse is predominant in the modern Thoroughbred.

The trophy was presented by the Belmont family as a perpetual award for the Belmont Stakes in 1926. It was the trophy August Belmont received when Fenian won the third running and it had since remained with the Belmont family. The winning owner may keep the trophy for a year until the next Belmont winner is crowned. The owner of the winner of the Belmont Stakes also receives a large silver tray upon which the names of the previous Belmont winners are engraved. There are also trays for the winning trainer, jockey and exercise rider. The winning groom gets race mementos. The white carnation is the traditional flower of the Belmont Stakes. The blanket of carnations worn by the Belmont Stakes winner takes 10 manhours to create. Between 300-400 carnations are glued onto a green velveteen spread. The flowers must be shipped in from either California or Bogota, Colombia. Twenty-nine horses have been eligible to win the Triple Crown coming into the Belmont Stakes but only 11 have succeeded. For more information and ticket enquiries visit Jul 282010 Ayr racecourse is situated in Ayr, Scotland for flat and national horse racing.

The track, which is wide and relatively flat, is a left-handed oval of around 1 mile 4 furlongs. The Scottish Grand National – a Grade 3 National Hunt horse race for five-year-old and above horses is hosted at Ayr racecourse in April annually. It is a handicap chase, and is often contested by horses which ran previously in the Grand National at Aintree . There are twenty-seven fences to be jumped in the race. The two day Coral Scottish Grand National Festival, held mid-April on a Friday and Saturday is Scotland’s richest jumps meeting with more than £300,000 in prize money and £200,000 on offer for the National and a further £100,000 for the Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle.

Ayr Racecourse is also known for The 6 furlong Ayr Gold Cup, run at the Western Meeting in September as one of the most competitive sprints in the Flat Racing calendar, attracting large crowds from all over the country Visit their website for more information or call the hospitality team on 01292 294967 Jun 272010 Churchill Downs is situated in Kentucky, Louisville, America. Offically opened in 1875, Churchill Downs was named after John and Henry Churchill, who leased 80 acres (320,000 m²) of land to their nephew, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. Clark designed his three major stakes races, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Clark Handicap, after the three premier races in England, the Epsom Derby, Epsom Oaks and St. Leger Stakes, respectively. These events have each been held continuously at Churchill since their debut in 1875. Racing at Churchill Downs occurs in two meets. The spring meet starts one week before the Derby and continues until early July.

The Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday in May and the Kentucky Oaks is run on Friday, the day before the Derby. A fall meet picks up in late October and closes Thanksgiving weekend in late November. The Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 thoroughbred race for three year-old horses, the highlight of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is run over one and a quarter miles (2 km). The race is known in America as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” for its approximate duration, and is also called “The Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is the first leg of the United States of America Triple Crown and is followed by the Preakness Stakes then the Belmont Stakes . Produced annually since 1956, the Derby Festival has become a whirlwind of 70 special events. The Festival includes several formal affairs, as well a casual, foot-stomping good times. More than just entertaining, the Derby Festival generates over $93 million annually for the local economy. Festival events also raise nearly $300,000 for area charities each year.

Visit for more information on the Kentucky Derby Festival and Doncaster Racecourse and the Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival Doncaster Racecourse and the Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival Dec 272010 Doncaster Racecourse, known as Town Moor is situated in South Yorkshire, England. It is home to the worlds oldest and longest classic race the St.Leger which is run over a total distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs (1 furlong = 200 metres) and 132 yards. The St Ledger is one of Britain’s Group 1 flat race and forms the last part of the British Classics Race. Doncaster also hosts the Racing Post Trophy Britains’s Group One thoroughbred race ran over 1 mile in October every year. Doncaster offically opens the Turf Flat Racing Season with the Lincoln Meeting held each March and ends the season with the November Handicap.Every September the St. Leger is celebrated with four days of festivities at Doncaster Racecourse. It runs from Wednesday – Saturday. Thursday is Ladies day, Friday sees the historic Doncaster Gold Cup which was first run 1766. Saturday is St Ledgers Day. St.

Leger Stakes - English Triple Crown Horse Race held at Doncaster Racecourse, Doncaster - Races.com.au Inaugurated: 1776 The St. Leger Stakes is the third and final race in the esteemed England Triple Crown series. Run over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards on a left-handed turf track, this Group 1 Classic race is held at the Doncaster Racecourse in September each year. Only three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies can qualify for this event and compete for the ?500 000 offered in prize money. First run on 24 September 1776 when the filly Allabaculia claimed victory, the St. Leger Stakes is the oldest and longest distanced of Great Britain?s five Classics. This race is also the third leg of the Fillies Triple Crown, which starts with the 1000 Guineas Stakes and Epsom Oaks. When betting on the St. Leger, punters backing the ante-post favourites in recent years have had much success with 11 of the past 16 races won by the favourite. Because the St.

Leger is the last of the Classics to take place and is held late in the season, there are plenty of lead-up races and chances for punters get a good idea of the performance and current form of the horses contending this race. It is important to look at the career statistics of not only the runners but their trainers and jockeys as well. Over the last decade, Irish trainer Aidan O?Brien has produced three winners, Scorpion (2005), Brian Boru (2003) and Milan (2001); his entries are often a good bet for the St. Leger. Another trainer who has dominatee the St. Leger scene in recent years is the famous Godolphin stables? Saeed bin Suroor. Four horses trained by Suroor have claimed victory in the St. Leger, Classic Cliche (1995), Nedwai (1998), Mutafaweq (1999) and most recently Rule of Law in 2004. So keep an eye on any entries trained by Suroor in the next St. Leger Stakes.

Because of the long distance of this event, looking at the performances of three-year-olds over similar distance races of around two miles in the months leading up to the St. Leger can be a great indication of which horses have the stamina and fitness to excel in the event. There are a range of quality prep races for the St. Leger, including the Group 2 Great Voltigeur Stakes (1 mile 4 furlongs). This is often the last race St. Leger entries will run prior to the event, and it has been an excellent guide in recent years as six of the last ten St. Leger winners placed within the top four in the Great Voltigeur, including Lucarno in 2007. Other key lead-up races to watch are the: Group 1 Irish Derby (1 mile 4 furlongs) at Curragh in late June Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes (1 mile 4 furlongs) at Ascot in June Group 3 Gordon Stakes (1 mile 4 furlongs) at Goodwood in late July In the last ten years five St.

Leger winners finished within the top five in the Irish Derby and three horses managed to win the Gordon Stakes and the St. Leger in the same season. Many runners may also have competed in the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Epsom Derby (1 mile 4 furlongs) in early June. Any of these prep races, when combined with the St. Leger, make some of the most popular betting doubles with English bookies and punters. If you can pick the horse to claim victory in two of these race you will see a very profitable return! The English Triple Crown, although still considered one of the most coveted feats in thoroughbred racing, has not been won since Nijinsky II in 1970. Recently Triple Crown contenders that have previously run in the first two legs of the series, the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, have not been seen on the field for the St. Leger. Many now say that a St. Leger victory would decrease the stud value of a Guineas and Derby winner, as the horse may display stamina but the victory implies a lack of the very lucrative racing attribute, speed. St. Leger Stakes ?

Records: Race Record: 3:01.90 set by Lucarno in 2007. In 2006 Sixties Icon ran the race in 2:57.29 but the event was contested at York over a shorter distance. Most Successful Jockey: Rider Bill Scott amassed and incredible nine St. Leger victories over his career with Jack Spigot (1821), Memnon (1825), The Colonel (1828), Rowton (1829), Don John (1838), Charles the Twelfth (1839), Launcelot (1840), Satirist (1841) and Sir Tatton Skyes (1846). Most Successful Trainer: John Scott boasts one of the world?s most impressive training record, producing an amazing 16 St.

Leger winners; Matilda (1827), The Colonel (1828), Rowton (1829), Margrave (1832), Touchstone (1834), Don John (1838), Charles the Twelfth (1839), Launcelot (1840), Satirist (1841), The Baron (1845), Newminster (1851), West Australian (1853), Warlock (1856), Imperieuse (1857), Gamester (1859) and The Marquis (1862). St. Leger Stakes ? Recent Race Results: Year 20 Biggest Horse Races in the UK - Racing Betting Offers Racing Betting Offers Live Streaming 20 Biggest Horse Races in the UK From the Cheltenham Festival to Royal Ascot there are countless huge meetings on the UK horse racing calendar and here we take a look at the 20 biggest single races in the UK.

We’ve opted for 10 flat and 10 jump races, whilst we’ve also thrown in a bonus five of the biggest global horse races too, so whether you’re looking to plan a trip away or are just interested in knowing what the biggest races are, we’ve got all you need right here. So, in no particular order… 10 Biggest Flat Races in the UK 2,000 Guineas Stakes King George VI Chase betting tips and offers More coming soon The first of the British Classics takes place in late April, the 2,000 Guineas takes place in early May of each year and is held at the headquarters of flat racing, Newmarket. The race is run over the straight mile of the Rowley Mile course and is open to thoroughbred three-year-old colts and fillies. Whilst fillies do occasionally enter it has been won by a colt every year since 1944. Along with The Derby and St Leger the race makes up the British triple-crown.

1,000 Guineas Stakes The second of the British classics, the 1,000 Guineas is held the day after the 2,000 Guineas over the same course and distance. This is the mile championship race for three-year-old fillies and acts as the first leg of the fillies’ triple-crown, followed by the Oaks and St Leger. The antiquated title of the race comes from the original prize fund of the race’s inaugural running in 1814. Epsom Oaks First run in 1779 and named after the estate of the 12th Earl of Derby, who devised the race, the Oaks is the second of the British Classics which is restricted to three-year-old fillies. Run over the Derby course and a distance of a shade over a mile and a half, the race offers a prestigious prize and adds significant breeding value to the winner. Epsom Derby One of the most famous flat horse races in the world, the Derby is run at one of the most unique and challenging courses the UK has to offer. The undulations and turns of Epsom provide a thorough test of the best middle distance three-year-olds.

Six fillies have won the race but none since 1914 and they are rarely entered these days. All the top breeders, trainers and owners target this race which is, for many, the jewel in the crown of the British flat racing season. St Leger The final Classic of the season, the St Leger is run in South Yorkshire at Doncaster in September over a trip of one mile, six furlongs and 132 yards. An old saying states “The fastest horse wins the Guineas; the luckiest the Derby – and the best horse wins the St Leger.” Whether you agree with this or not the race is nevertheless a thrilling spectacle and one of the highlights of the late flat season. First run in 1776, it is the oldest of the Classic races and takes its name from the gentleman who founded it, one Anthony St Leger. King’s Stand Stakes The first non-Classic on our list, this race is one for the real speedballs. Run as part of the Royal Ascot meeting in June, the King’s Stand Stakes is the premier five furlong event of the British season.

The race is open to thoroughbreds aged three years and over and is interesting in that it came into being almost entirely by chance. A race known as The Royal Stand Stakes was originally run over two miles, however due to horrendous weather in 1860 the distance was shortened to the only five furlongs of the track deemed raceable. A nice bit of trivia for those that like that sort of thing! Ascot Gold Cup From the shortest flat race on this list to the longest. The Ascot Gold Cup is run over the marathon trip of two miles and four furlongs and is open to all horses aged four or older. Run on the third day of the Royal Ascot meeting it effectively determines the champion flat stayer of the season. Aiden O’Briens’ Yeats is one of the races most famous winners, achieving an amazing four consecutive victories from 2006-2009. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes One of the richest and most prestigious mile and a half contests of the racing calendar comes at Ascot in July.

The list of previous winners in the King George VI is littered with all-time greats; Nijinsky, Brigadier Gerard and Montjeu to name just a few. Open to horses three-years-old and upwards it regularly attracts the very best horses from British and Irish soils as well as raiders from further afield. Champion Stakes Another high class race at Ascot comes in the twilight of the flat racing season each year. October sees Champions Day arrive at the Berkshire track. Highlight of the day is this event over a trip of one mile and two furlongs. The Champion Stakes is always an intriguing contest as it allows us the opportunity to see the best of the Classic generation locking horns with their elders. Racing Post Trophy One of the last top class races of the season comes at Doncaster in October. A mile contest for the season’s best two-year-olds, it serves as an often informative preview for the following season. The Racing Post Trophy is open to both colts and fillies with numerous winners subsequently going on to land a Classic in their three-year-old season.

Best Three Free Bets for Racing If you’re wanting to have a bet on any of the huge races listed on this page or indeed any horse race at all, the following are the best three racing free bets and bonuses around in our opinion. We’ve got three slightly different racing offers depending what exactly you’re looking for in a free bet so there is an offer to suit everyone! Biggest Bonus – £200 at Bet365 – Bet365 offer new customers a massive £200 risk free bet Biggest Percentage – 400% at Coral – Bet £5, Get £20 Free at Coral Best Simple Freebie – £50 at Ladbrokes – Bet £50 and get £50 free with no further wagering at Ladbrokes 10 Biggest Jumps Races in the UK Cheltenham Gold Cup The concluding day of the Cheltenham Festival features the best race of the National Hunt calendar. The real superstars of the jumping game arrive to tackle the 22 fences spread over a trip of 3m2 ½ f. An ability to jump with fluency allied with copper bottomed stamina are what is required in order to triumph in the Cheltenham Gold Cup .

Golden Miller, Arkle, Desert Orchid, Best Mate and Kauto Star are amongst the most famous racehorses of all time and all tasted success in this race, which offers a scintillating climax for the final day of Cheltenham . Grand National The next race on our list is not only one of the biggest races in the UK, it is the most famous jumps horse race in the world. This is the one everyone tunes in to, from housewives to die hard racing nuts and from young kids having their first bet to old-timers betting on the National like they have for the last 60 years. The race certainly offers a spectacle quite unlike any other with its marathon 4m4f trip and imposing fences. Being a handicap, it may not be the highest class race of the year but in terms of thrills and spills the Grand National is tough to beat. The race is held in early April each year. The World Hurdle Highlight of the penultimate day of the Cheltenham Festival, the World Hurdle is the season’s most prestigious race for staying hurdlers. Three miles around Cheltenham provides a thorough examination of the contenders’ stamina.

Some mighty horses have won this over the years, including one of the all-time great staying hurdlers, Big Buck’s, who took this prize four years in succession from 2009-12. Queen Mother Champion Chase It is the chasers who are to the fore on the second day of the Festival in this two mile contest. This is the championship event for the season’s two mile chasers. The Queen Mother Champion Chase was given its current title in 1980 as a tribute to the Queen Mother and her support of racing. Famous winners include Moscow Flyer, Master Minded and Sprinter Sacre. King George VI Chase After the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the King George VI is the most prestigious jumps race of year. Run every year at Kempton on Boxing Day over a trip of three miles, the race is named after the monarch at the time of its inception way back in 1937. Due to the unique combination of staying and jumping ability required to prevail here, multiple winners are common. Desert Orchid won this four times whilst Kauto Star went one better with five victories.

BetVictor Gold Cup The action at Cheltenham isn’t confined to the Festival and in November comes one of the most exciting handicaps of the early jumps season, the BetVictor Gold Cup (previously the Paddy Power Gold Cup). Run over a trip of 2m4 ½ f the race often attracts some high class grade one performers dropping into handicap company in pursuit of the big prize on offer. Hennessy Gold Cup Offering a prize fund of around £175,000 the Hennessy Gold Cup is the richest chase handicap with the exception of the English and Scottish Grand Nationals. Run in late November/Early December each year, it takes a high class performer to come out on top here. Arkle, Denman and Bobs Worth all won this before subsequently landing the Cheltenham Gold Cup – enough said! Betfair Chase Run at Haydock in November the Betfair Chase is the first Grade One Event of the National Hunt season. Having only been with us since 2005 it is a relatively new addition to the horse racing calendar.

Run over a trip of three miles and featuring 18 stiff fences, the race often provides some useful pointers ahead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup later in the jumping year. Champion Hurdle Another contest from the highlight of the National Hunt year, the Cheltenham Festival in March. The Champion Hurdle is the feature race of the first day of the Festival and the pinnacle of the season for the top horses over the smaller obstacles. Speed and hurdling ability are tested to the full over the trip of two miles and half a furlong. Bet365 Gold Cup Following the Grand National in April we have one of the most popular staying handicap chases of the year, the Bet365 Gold Cup , run at Sandown. 24 fences and 3m5 1/2f are “all” that lie between the runners and the finish line. The race features as part of an excellent mixed jumps and flat meeting. First run in 1957, the original sponsors were Whitbread, in fact this was the first UK race to attract commercial sponsorship of any kind – another for the trivia buffs out there!

Five Biggest Horse Races From The Rest Of The World Dubai World Cup Run on the tapeta surface at Meydan over a mile and a quarter, the richest horse race in the world is a relative newcomer to the international racing circuit, making its debut in 1996. The race is the highlight of Dubai World Cup Night which is held at the end of March each year. With total prize money in excess of £6million it is always a fiercely competitive contest, attracting the top class middle distance horses from around the world. The USA has an excellent record in this race. Kentucky Derby This famous 1m2f race for three-year-olds has been run every year since 1875 and, together with the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, it makes up the American triple-crown. Taking place at the beginning of May each year at Churchill Downs, “The Run for The Roses”, is the most popular race in the USA in terms of attendance and an interesting day out if Hunter S Thompson is to be believed!

Prix de L’arc de Triomphe: Run at Longchamp over a mile and a half, on the first Sunday in October, for many this is the most prestigious horse race in Europe bar none. Open to horses aged three and upwards, it pits the best of the classic generation against the top ranking older horses from around Europe. The French are a tough nut to crack on their own turf and have dominated the race over the years. Breeders’ Cup Classic This is both the most prestigious and the richest race of the American racing year, with total prize money of around $5million. Since its inception in 1984 “The Classic” has taken place at various tracks in North America and is the highlight of the Breeders Cup meeting run in late October. Tiznow is the only horse to have won this tough 1m 2f race on more than one occasion (as of 2014). Melbourne Cup Held at Flemington racecourse on the first Tuesday in November, the Melbourne Cup is far and away the biggest race in Australia.

Host state Victoria has a public holiday in the race’s honour and attendance at the track is regularly over the 100,000 mark, with drinking starting early for many of those! Run over a distance of two miles, “the race that stops a nation” is the richest handicap race in the world. The prestige and prize money on offer regularly attracts runners from Europe, the USA and Japan. Latest Betting Offers

Question: Which of the five English Classic horse races is run over the longest distance, 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards?
Answer: ST. LEGER